Skopje, 18 March 2025 (MIA) – During the seven-day mourning period declared by the government, flags are flown at half-mast, all musical and cultural events have been cancelled, and media programming has been adjusted. Books of condolence have been opened in the Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Macedonian embassies worldwide.

To pay tribute to the victims of the tragic Kochani nightclub fire, which claimed 59 young lives and left over 150 injured and hospitalized, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have declared Tuesday a day of mourning, following Montenegro’s declaration on Monday.

The Serbian Government has declared March 18 a day of mourning. Some of the injured from Kochani have been transferred to Serbia for medical treatment. Yesterday, President Aleksandar Vučić visited them and announced that Serbian healthcare institutions would provide care for a total of 29 injured individuals.

During an emergency session, the Bulgarian Government declared March 18 a day of mourning in solidarity with North Macedonia. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov offered his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to the injured. He said that 14 Macedonian citizens are currently being treated in hospitals in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, and affirmed Bulgaria’s readiness to receive more injured patients if needed.

He added that the tragedy transcends everyday political and social differences. "Human feelings and solidarity come to the fore at such difficult times. I believe that our peoples will put aside daily challenges and be united on this day," Zhelyazkov pointed out.

As an expression of solidarity with North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro are also observing a day of national mourning.

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is observing a day of mourning today, following Montenegro’s day of mourning yesterday.

Photo: MIA